First Long Distance Run

“There is an ecstasy that marks the summit of life, and beyond which life cannot rise. And such is the paradox of living, this ecstasy comes when one is most alive, and it comes as a complete forgetfulness that one is alive.” - Jack London

Perhaps these lines best describe how I was feeling on crossing the finish line of my first half-marathon. I certainly wasn't conscious of much except for a vaguely ecstatic feeling of respect for myself and the fellow runners.

The run (competently organized by Hyderabad 10K Run Foundation) started from KBR Park at 5:30 AM towards Gachibowli stadium covering a total distance of about 21 Km. for half marathon. It was still dark when the race started and this combined with an almost palpable sense of excitement and enthusiasm all round made the whole scene a bit surrealistic. But a few minutes into the run, the day started to break and everyone got down to business.

During the run, the first thing I noticed was the camaraderie amongst the runners and for someone like me, who has been mostly training alone, this was a very pleasant discovery. There was this sense of common purpose amongst the participants that made everyone cheer each other along. I remember that whenever I felt low and started to think of walking, I would hear a "Come on!" from someone and that would keep me going.

The other good thing I observed about the long distance running (and endurance sports in general) is that it continuously affords you an opportunity to re-iterate your value-system to yourself. For instance, during the last 400 m. or so of the race, there was this final turn which could also be covered through a shorter diagonal path. The difference between the two paths wasn't more than 20 m. but having run almost 21 Km. the temptation to take the shorter path was very strong and specially so when you have seen some other runners taking that path and you knew that your own reputation was protected by anonymity. It is one thing to talk and write about values like 'integrity' and quite another to actually show them in the face of temptations. As a person who believes that the first and foremost virtue that one must possess is integrity of character, I am glad that I did not disappoint myself.

Overall, it was a very enjoyable and highly satisfying experience. So much so that I have already registered for my second half-marathon in Delhi.

Journal Update: A New Hobby

Partly due to my conscious effort to take up a new hobby every few months and partly due to the increasing routineness of gym workouts, I have decided to start cycling to keep in shape. I bought a BSA ACT 105. It's a light weight (17Kg), aluminium frame, 21 gears MTB. A decent looking piece of machinery.

I went for a 12 Km ride today from begumpet to Jubilee check post and the early morning breeze, which was rather strong for my first day, felt good for its coolness. Also the way towards the check post was mostly uphill which compounded with the fact that I haven't yet mastered the art of using gears for different gradients made the first half quite intense. The returning half was consequently downhill and very easy. I should choose more uniform routes for the initial few rides.

In the next few weeks I plan to read some literature on cycling to understand its nuances better. Also, to keep things different and interesting I have decided to divide my week evenly between cycling and jogging. My current goals are to run 21 K half marathon in Hyderabad which is sometime in November and to ride longer distances on cycle.

I will keep updating this blog as and when I learn new things about cycling. It seems I am going to like it.

Sachin Cyclist Tyagi !!

P.S. The two inspirations for all this are my younger brothers, Navneet and Ashish, who are infinitely active and athletic and have great stamina.